Festival Trials Day takes place at Cheltenham on January 24, marking the final meeting at Prestbury Park before the Cheltenham Festival itself gets underway in mid-March.
For punters weighing up ante-post positions, hunting for horse racing free bets, or simply looking to spot future Festival winners, this fixture is a crucial piece of the puzzle.
Every race on the card is a recognised trial, and history shows that strong performances here often translate into major Festival runs. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout contests on the day.
The Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle – Grade 2
Skipping the opening Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase, the second race on the card is one of the most informative juvenile hurdles of the season. Officially registered as the Finesse Juvenile Hurdle, the Triumph Trial is a key stepping stone towards the Triumph Hurdle itself.
While Defi Du Seuil remains the last horse to complete the double, winning both races back in 2017, the Triumph Trial regularly produces Festival contenders. East India Dock won this contest last year before going on to finish a close third in the Triumph in March.
This season, much of the intrigue surrounds Manlaga, who sits at the head of the Triumph Hurdle market despite not yet making her debut for Nicky Henderson since being sourced from France by JP McManus.
If she lines up here, Festival Trials Day could provide the first real insight into her Cheltenham credentials.
The Betfair Cotswold Steeple Chase – Grade 2
The feature race of the afternoon, the Cotswold Chase is run over three miles and one and a half furlongs and serves as a traditional trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Although Native River was the last horse to win both races—landing the Cotswold in 2018 before Gold Cup glory in 2021 – many runners use this as an essential final prep for March.
This year’s renewal looks likely to revolve around Grey Dawning, with Dan Skelton targeting the race after his gelding’s emphatic success in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November. A bold showing here would cement his place among the leading British Gold Cup hopes.
The International Hurdle – Grade 2
A recognised trial for the Champion Hurdle, the International Hurdle has been won by some of the sport’s biggest stars in recent seasons. Lossiemouth dominated the race in 2024, while Constitution Hill claimed victory last year in trademark effortless fashion.
Whether the reigning champion returns to defend his crown remains uncertain after his third fall in four starts at Newcastle’s Fighting Fifth. In his absence, the spotlight could fall on Skelton’s exciting prospect The New Lion, who also came down in dramatic circumstances in that same race. A clear round here would quickly restore his Champion Hurdle credentials.
The Betfair Cleeve Hurdle – Grade 2
The Cleeve Hurdle is a searching three-mile test and a major trial for the Stayers’ Hurdle. However, with Irish runners dominating the Festival’s day-three staying crown in recent years, the race has not produced a Stayers’ Hurdle winner since Paisley Park.
With Ballyburn and Teahupoo heading the ante-post market for March, this year’s Cleeve may offer fewer definitive Festival clues than usual, though it remains a vital contest for staying hurdlers seeking to prove their stamina on the New Course.
Classic Novices’ Hurdle – Grade 2
The afternoon concludes with the Classic Novices’ Hurdle, a recognised trial for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. Current Festival favourite No Drama This End is unlikely to feature, with connections expected to opt for the Challow Hurdle at Newbury over Christmas instead.
Even so, this race often uncovers a tough, relentless stayer capable of making an impact at the Festival, making it well worth close inspection despite the absence of the market leader.